Eka Lakhani, a renowned Indian fashion costume designer, has carved a niche for herself in the vibrant world of Indian cinema. With her unique ability to breathe life into characters through costumes, Eka has worked on numerous Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Her estimated net worth is $1.2 Million.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1987, Eka Lakhani's journey in the world of fashion and costume design began with a solid educational foundation. She pursued her passion by studying fashion design at SNDT Women's University in Mumbai, where she honed her creative skills for three years. Subsequently, her quest for knowledge led her to the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she further honed her craft. During her time in the United States, she had the unique opportunity to assist established designers during New York Fashion Week, gaining valuable insights into the world of high fashion.

Emerging as a Costume Designer

Eka Lakhani's career took a significant leap when she returned to India and joined the industry as an intern on the sets of the bilingual film "Raavan" in 2010. Her talent and dedication caught the eye of prominent cinematographer Santosh Sivan, who entrusted her with the pivotal role of costume designer for the Malayalam period drama "Urumi" in 2011. Set in 15th-century Kerala, the film presented a unique challenge as Eka had to create authentic Portuguese and Indian period costumes for notable actors like Vidya Balan, Genelia D'Souza, and Tabu.

Collaboration with Director Mani Ratnam

One of the defining moments in Eka Lakhani's career came in 2013 when she was appointed as the costume designer for acclaimed director Mani Ratnam's film "Kadal." This collaboration marked the beginning of a successful partnership that continues to this day. Eka's dedication to her craft, combined with her attention to detail, made her the ideal choice for Mani Ratnam's projects. Her work has been particularly noted for her stunning costume designs for leading actresses Nithya Menen and Aditi Rao Hydari in films like "O Kadhal Kanmani" (2015) and "Kaatru Veliyidai" (2017).

For her work in the period drama "Ponniyin Selvan: I" (2022), Eka Lakhani delved deep into her research, travelling to Tanjore temples, meeting weavers, and immersing herself in the rich heritage to create authentic costumes that bring the historical narrative to life.

Versatile Costume Designer

Eka Lakhani's portfolio boasts a diverse range of projects, including biopics such as "Sanju" (2018) and the web series "Queen" (2019), where she meticulously researched and recreated the fashion styles of the respective historical periods.

In 2019, Eka Lakhani established "Team E," a platform where seasoned designers collaborate under her guidance. Their first venture was the Madras Talkies production "Vaanam Kottattum" (2020).

Eka's remarkable work extends to her appearances in films like "Kadal" (2013) and "One by Two" (2014), demonstrating her versatility as both a costume designer and an actress.

Awards and Recognition

Eka Lakhani's contributions to the world of costume design have been widely recognised and celebrated. Her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to her craft have earned her a well-deserved place in the industry.

With a career spanning various languages and genres, Eka Lakhani continues to be a driving force in Indian cinema, breathing life into characters through her remarkable costume designs. Her work exemplifies the power of costumes to transform actors into their roles, making her an indispensable part of the film industry.